Allister calls for consistent approach to production standards
19 May 2009
Jim Allister MEP has highlighted consistent enforcement of production standards as one of the most important issues facing agriculture over the next term of the European Parliament.
The MEP commented,
“Over the past 5 years, we have seen how macro trading concerns, including the prospect of a WTO deal prompted the Commission to turn a blind eye to meat imported into the EU which does not comply with the stringent –and costly –standards imposed on our own producers. The ultimately successful fight to have restrictions enforced on Brazilian beef imports, came only after considerable political pressure from MEP’s, including from myself. Despite numerous FVO reports which highlighted key deficiencies in production standards of much of the beef being imported from Brazil, the Commission had to be forced to take action.”
“I pledge to continue to work towards ensuring all food coming into the EU bears proper Country of origin labelling, and complies with minimum EU standards. It is only fair that the costly burdens of compliance which our farmers have to bear are easily identifiable to the consumer, and that non-EU product is properly scrutinised.”
“I also support an adequately funded publicity campaign to raise awareness among EU consumers and farther afield of the higher production standards which exist in the EU. Of course we should aim to maintain high standards of animal welfare, food hygiene and environmental compliance, but this is only possible if met with an adequate return, and if there is a level playing field for all.”
ENDS
